The Conservancy worked with the Michigan Department of Transportation to secure
a federal grant which will be used for the protection of the scenic US-31 corridor.

Last fall, the Federal Highway Administration awarded the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) a $300,000 grant for the scenic protection of the US-31 corridor between Petoskey and Charlevoix. MDOT and the Little Traverse Conservancy worked together to obtain this funding, and will continue to work cooperatively to ensure that the funds are properly used.

"The monies will be used as a match to purchase important lands and/or purchase development rights on critical parcels along US-31," explained MaryKay O’Donnell, Director of Land Protection.

The funding comes from a national program to enhance the beauty of our roadways, known as the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). The TEA-21 (formerly ISTEA) program was enacted by Congress to provide funds for the beautification of roadways. Since 1992, the program has helped fund 917 projects in Michigan. Emmet County’s Spring Lake Park, located between Petoskey and Harbor Springs, is a local example of the benefits of these scenic enhancement funds. For more information, contact MaryKay at marykay@landtrust.org.